Occasionally when I’m browsing through the clothing and accessory areas of Target, something grabs my attention from a design and quality point of view. Last week I found a daring canary yellow checked design that screamed fab Spring chic. The lined Chanel-esque jacket is well made and the fit is not bad at all. The bag is not quite as well made, but perfectly acceptable.

There are better ways of styling this jacket than what you see in the picture. For starters, pair the look with blue or white jeans and a black top. Try it over a black sheath dress and slouch boots. Pair it with a denim skirt, black and white graphic T, and ballet flats. Add the bag to any black and white ensemble for extra pop. Think of how delicious this yellow checked design would look with black and white polka dots! Bold, but beautiful.

I believe in age-appropriate dressing. After a certain age, some styles and looks just don’t work, irrespective of body type. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always go down well. Women often feel unfairly judged and even insulted by the suggestion that they are too old to wear certain things.

For me, adapting your style to your age is no different to dressing for your body type, or your fashion persona, or your lifestyle. Like it or not, things do change as we get older. But perhaps my immersion in fashion and style has desensitized me personally to the factors that make this such a touchy subject for many women.

So recently I have been thinking about why the topic is so sensitive. Here are a few ideas:

• People don’t like to be labeled: Judging people as groups instead of individuals poses problems. People prefer to be judged by their own unique set of attributes as opposed to being lumped into the same box as everyone else. For example, saying that “women over 40 should not wear miniskirts” is far too general. How short is the skirt? What about hose? Are you 41 or 85? And how great are your legs?
• The discrepancy between body and mind: The physical signs of aging start to kick in during our late thirties and early forties. Yet it’s precisely at this age where our intellect and experience really come into their own. Generally, we are happier in our own skin when we become middle aged. We’re more accepting of ourselves, and more crisp in our thoughts and goals. So just as we are becoming more confident, our bodies start to let us down.
• A sense of loss: We can’t get back the years that have passed and realizing that they’re gone is a little sad. In some instances, we’re trying to hold on to our youth by wearing what ladies much younger than us wear.

A further complication is that people have very different points of view on the definition of age appropriate. For me it certainly doesn’t mean that women need to become more conservative and less adventurous as they get older. I love, love, love to encourage women in their 40’s and older to dress youthfully, adopt suitable fashion trends and stay looking hip and cool until they’re 100.

No need to look frumpy at 40 and beyond. In fact, it’s probably the time to look your very best, along with the acceptance that you probably shouldn’t wear things as low, tight and short as you used too.

Why do you think the question of age-appropriate dressing evokes such emotive responses in women?

Batwing sleeves are an interesting, breezy look, and they are comfortable to wear. Perhaps surprisingly, they will work for many body types. Whether you are well endowed or small chested, broad shouldered or narrow shouldered, short-waisted or long-waisted, apple shaped or pear shaped, the batwing can be flattering.

So they get a big fat 80’s yay from me, but with two aesthetic conditions attached:

1. The fabric must be drapey so that the volume collapses softly along the contour of the body.
2. The bottom half of the top and the hems of the sleeves need to taper back into a sleek silhouette.

Without these specific style details you might look like you’re actually going to take off and fly. Not so fab.

Batwing styling works well  in soft modal and rayon knit fabrications, fine gauge knitwear, and woven silky blouses. It’s also rather sweet in a banded tunic style, dress or jacket. It looks wonderful both on its own, and when belted at the natural waist.

The only real drawback is that you can’t layer anything tailored over the top. The sleeves scrunch up under the arm and the bulk is uncomfortable.

So what do you say? Yay or nay.

Here’s the last tunic shirt outfit for the week. Today I’m doing the semi formal dress code (here are my casual, smart casual and creative business casual interpretations). I’d wear this type of outfit to a fancy restaurant, a show, a cocktail party, a dressy work event or day wedding.

This is a very plain, white tunic shirt so I really had to dress it up to make it look more formal. I belted the look for this dress code because tailoring puts a dressier spin on things.

True to my own style I piled on the pearls and used an off-white, studded, waist-cinching belt and oversized, floral, pearl cocktail ring. I rolled down the sleeves, buttoned them up, and turned back the cuff once to get the effect of a French cuff.

A sleek pencil skirt works well with a long belted top. The proportions of this outfit would have been more flattering with a slightly shorter skirt, but just over the knee skirts are trending so I’m back to giving that look a whirl. The addition of three inch heels helps to balance out the proportions though, so I’m happy with the result. Clutch and fun textured hose finish off the look.

Substitution of my items to work with your own style is the name of the game. Black cigarette pants with a dressy black belt and monochromatic accessories translates just as well, for example. But It’s important to go heavy and statement on the accessories in order to differentiate this look from a business casual outfit. By the same token, I could have substituted the skirt and hose for a pair of dark wash jeans for a great smart casual outfit. Fashion is so much fun.

So which was your favourite of the four tunic shirt outfits this week?

It’s AMAZING how front knot detailing on dresses and tops flatters most body types, especially curvy hourglass, apple and pear shaped lasses. Pop this detailing into a substantial fabric that drapes and the flattering effects are even more effective.

Here’s why it works:

• V-necklines are elongating for short and regular length necks and work wonders for petites and well endowed ladies.
• The volume that’s created  by the ruching below the knot camouflages the extra bits on the mid riff and hips by allowing the fabric to float away from the body. This is especially effective in patterned fabrications and combats muffin top perfectly.
• The vertical integrity of the ruching is slimming.
• The placement of the knot right under the bust line accentuates the smallest part of the torso.
• Shoulder ruching does an incredibly good job of defining the shoulder line, thereby strengthening the line of narrow shoulders and softening a strong shoulder line.
• It captures the best qualities of an empire cut. Empire cuts are seldom cut long enough to accommodate a larger bosom, but this style gives the bust a roomy, yet sleek fit.

I’ve found that front knot detailing is best in synthetic fibers, or a synthetic-natural fiber blend. Synthetic fibers usually drape better and are more crinkle resistant, and both properties are important for this style. So look for polyester, nylon and rayon blends in weighty knitted fabrics for the best results. Woven shirts with front knot detailing works well too, but they won’t be as comfortable or as drapey as a knitted version.

Today’s business casual interpretation is my favourite tunic shirt outfit of the week (here are my casual and smart casual interpretations).

The business casual dress code is all about context. As a fashion stylist, I err on the dressy and creative side of business casual which makes this outfit appropriate for my line of work. So, true to my style I layered a black silk chiffon polka dot blouse over a fully buttoned-up tunic shirt. Turned back the cuffs and added a fun beaded pearl necklace. I paired the look with black cigarette pants, patent biker booties and a very special red handbag. For warmth, I pull on a wool coat or trench coat. For a more professional indoor business look, I add a black boyfriend blazer or regular charcoal pinstriped blazer.

In a more conservative work environment, you can leave off the layered blouse and add a broad waist-cinching belt, bootcut slacks and regular pumps. A scarf tied the authoritarian way adds a nice touch too. You can also layer a soft boyfriend or cascading cardigan over the belted tunic shirt.

Again, no waist definition on this outfit because that’s how I personally prefer the look (though I am not allergic to belts). A strong shoulder line paired with sleek bottoms offers enough structure. Tomorrow, you might see a bit more waist definition when I tackle a semi formal setting.

I never would have believed it before I was a fashion stylist, but belt phobia is very real fashion condition. I know many clients, friends and YLF forum members who refuse to wear belts of any description. The reasons?

“They don’t look right on me”

“They make me feel self conscious about my midriff”

“They’re uncomfortable”

It’s such a shame! Wearing waist cinching belts over tops and dresses can solve fit dilemmas and resolve ensemble challenges. It can also camouflage torso lumps and bumps. I can’t tell you how many items of clothing I have salvaged (both for myself and for my clients) by adding a belt in the right place. Instant waist definition works it’s magic time and time again, even for those who think they don’t have a waistline.

But it has to be the right belt, in the right position, on the right outfit. This takes practice. If you’re well endowed and short-waisted it’s a little harder to get this right, but it can absolutely work. Everyone can look good in a belt once the variables are correct.

It is true that some belts are awfully uncomfortable. So, like shoes, you have to find styles that are comfortable on your body, AND get used to wearing them. Full or half-elasticized belts stretch with the bod as it moves and I find those more comfortable. I also prefer soft and flexible leathers, pleathers and fabrics to anything hard that chaffs or digs into my rib cage. I much prefer the waist-cinching belts of the noughties over the bulky hip slung belts we wore looped into low rise jeans in the 90’s. Those belts rubbed against my hip bones, especially on the side where I wore my cross body bag. I don’t think I’ll be sporting that look again.

Do you wear belts, or do you have belt phobia? Perhaps you had belt phobia but overcame your fears. If so, what’s your secret?

Here’s the second tunic shirt outfit in action. This time it’s smart casual (if you haven’t seen it already, take a look at the casual interpretation I did yesterday). Once again, the outfit is true to my style, so it might not be to your taste. Substitution is the name of the game so have fun with the look and make it YOURS.

For the most part I prefer this shirt sans the belt because I get a kick out of surrendering my waistline. It makes me feel a little naughty and rebellious but in a lady-like way. A little weird perhaps, but at the end of the day it’s all about how the outfit makes us feel, right?

I added structure to the shirt by adding the layer of a fitted cardigan. I buttoned the top few buttons to accentuate an A-line silhouette, thereby leaving me with a strong shoulder line but a voluminous midriff and hip area. My cardigan has crazy 80’s ruched sleeves but you could have layered any type of cardigan and belted it at the waist for added definition. Instead of a cardigan, add a jacket, waistcoat or moto vest for even more structure.

I chose skinnies and dressy flats because that’s how I’m most comfortable when charging around town, but you can wear bootcut jeans and heels to create a longer and leaner line. I also chose a necklace, but earrings and a scarf are just as fab. Finished off the look with pearls and a great bag and Bob’s your uncle.

Tomorrow I’ll cover how to wear the tunic shirt in a creative business casual setting.

This is a sensitive subject, but one that many people have questions about. The definition of appropriate funeral attire varies a lot across different cultures and religions. This is particularly true for colour. For example, in western culture black is the colour of bereavement, but in other cultures it is white.

But I think it is safe to say that a funeral is not about us and our outfit. It is about paying one’s last respects to the deceased and supporting their family. That’s why I suggest the safe “M-D-M” dressing rule. Wear a “muted”, “dressy” and “modest” outfit and you’ll look and feel appropriate.

Here’s the checklist in more detail as applied to a western funeral:

1. Keep it muted: Dark colours like black, charcoal grey, navy and brown are no-brainers. Deep burgundy reds, greens and purples, or muted pastels and beige are also fine as long as you don’t wear anything too bright, flashy or bold. Generally, no lively pops of colour for this outfit and that includes make-up.
2. Keep it dressy: No jeans please. A funeral is a not a casual occasion so at the very least think dressy business casual, but business formal is best. Skirts and dresses are the traditional choice but dress slacks are just as acceptable. Closed toe shoes are not a must but covering up neon toe nail polish is a good idea.
3. Keep it modest: Tailored clothing is fab but anything too alluring is inappropriate. If an item of clothing is too short, too tight or too low-cut to wear to work, you probably shouldn’t be wearing it to a funeral. Hose is not essential especially if it’s hot, but it does add a polished touch to your skirt or dress ensemble.

Sometimes funeral attire is specified to honour the personality of the deceased. For example, you might be requested to wear their favourite colour, or wear T-shirts that were printed for the funeral occasion. In this case respect the request and go with the flow.

I’ve been to four funerals and in each case I wore a black suit with hose, pearls and black pumps. For my Mum’s funeral I added a crisp white shirt and red handbag to a black pinstripe suit ensemble, just because she would have preferred it that way.

I’d like to hear your thoughts on funeral attire. I’m particularly interested in the appropriate dress for non-Western funerals. Does my checklist still apply? The more we hear about different cultural traditions the better.

Here’s the first tunic shirt outfit in action and I’ve chosen to wear it casually. I opted for a white tunic shirt with fun side entry pockets because crisp white cotton-rich button downs are close to  my heart. But you can choose any colour or pattern in a similar silhouette and the look will translate just as well.

I’ve matched the tunic shirt with faded jeans, 20 eyelet Dr. Martens and a slouchy handbag. I’ve accessorized with a dainty vintage pearl necklace. The biker jacket will keep me warm if it gets chilly.

Remember that I’m wearing the tunic shirt true to my style, which might not be to your taste. For example, you can substitute my combination with boot cut jeans, casual ankle boots, a blazer and scarf if that’s more your look.

I prefer my tunic shirt loose and flowing because it spells arty and fun. But you can also add a waist-cinching belt for more structure. I also like to pop the collar and scrunch up the sleeves of all my shirts for extra textural interest. The effect is a thrown together, yet pulled together look.

Simple, clean, easy and very comfortable.

Tomorrow I’ll cover how to wear the tunic shirt in a smart casual setting. This will be an easier interpretation because button down shirts are generally thought of as more dressy than casual.